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The Truth About Muscle Confusion

MUSCLE CONFUSION TERMS“Advanced training systems [such as the ones below] can be used for variety and to prolong the onset of Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome, otherwise known as a plateau,” says Boyd Epley , C.S.C.S, founder of the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Utilize these advanced lifting techniques to make strength and size gains year-round.

For example, most guys pause at the top of a squat and take tension off their quads by forming a “bone-on-bone” crutch when they fully extend their knees. Squatting with continuous tension would require no pause at the top and a quick sink back down.

“Increasing time under tension by following a 4,0,2,0 rep tempo is great for adding muscle size,” says Sorin.4,0,2,0 tempo: Take 4 seconds to lower the weight, no pause, then take 2 seconds to raise the weight without a pause at the top.

3. Partial-RepetitionTry it: Do an abbreviated version of the rep, using less-than-full range of motion.

See that powerlifter benching 400 pounds off of a stack of wooden planks sitting atop his chest? He’s using partial reps to increase strength on a particularly shaky part of the exercise.

“Doing partial reps on the weaker range-of-motion is a great technique to boost overall strength,” says Sorin.

4. SupersetsTry it: Perform a few exercises, one after another, without a break.

There are two general styles of supersets: compound-sets and trisets.

Compound-sets work two opposing muscle groups, like chest and back, with no rest between moves. “This allows for a stretch of the chest while pumping blood into your upper back,” says Sorin. “Follow this technique if you want to gain muscle but are short on time.”

Trisets use two or three exercises for the same movement pattern, without breaks. For example, three vertical pushing exercises, where you move the weight overhead, like barbell shoulder presses, dumbbell shoulder presses, and cable lateral raises.

THE VERDICT

Overall, when it comes to your workouts, it’s indeed important to vary sets, reps, and other exercise variables—as long as you do it in a way that’s science-based. Just remember, when it comes to designing a smart workout, no one technique is the Holy Grail.